AFI Alumnus Timothy Greenfield-Sanders’ (Class of 1975, Cinematography) TONI MORRISON: THE PIECES I AM captures the definitive filmed biography of one of America’s iconic writers. In the documentary, Morrison herself talks with singular eloquence, insight and honesty about her life, work and the country that undervalued her for far too long. We spoke to Greenfield-Sanders about the film.

TONI MORRISON: THE PIECES I AM is a special screening at AFI DOCS at the Navy Memorial’s Arleigh & Roberta Burke Theaterin Washington D.C. on Thursday, June 20. Buy tickets here.

AFI: What led you to pursue documentary filmmaking?

While I always enjoyed docs, they were not my first love. As a teen, I was influenced by underground filmmakers like Andy Warhol and Jack Smith. Their work drew me to New York City where I attended Columbia University and actually worked with Jack Smith on a project. After college, I moved to Los Angeles to study at the American Film Institute. It was at AFI that I was asked to photograph visiting dignitaries for the school’s archive — icons like Bette Davis and Alfred Hitchcock. Both of them encouraged me to take photography more seriously. After I got my M.F.A., I pursued portraiture for the next twenty years. It wasn’t until the late 90’s that my friendship with Lou Reed turned into my first documentary, Lou Reed: Rock and Roll Heart.

AFI: How did you become interested in Toni Morrison’s story?

I first met Toni Morrison in 1981—38 years
ago! She came down to my studio for a portrait and we became friends. I shot
many of her book jacket portraits over the year, and she’s always been an
inspiration. In fact, in 2006, at my kitchen table, we hatched an idea that
eventually became “The Black List,” one of my nine films on identity. Toni was
always in the back of my mind for a documentary but it wasn’t until she was in
her mid-80s that I thought that it’s now or never.

AFI: How did you connect with her on your film?

Fortunately, Toni and I are friends. She trusted me and knew my work both as a photographer and a filmmaker. That trust comes through in the film. You see a very open person—someone who is comfortable with me and my team.

AFI: What was a challenge you confronted while making this film?

I think the hardest part of Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am was keeping it to two hours. Toni’s life is monumental, and she deserves 10 hours.

AFI: What do you hope audiences take away after seeing your film?

Audiences will find Toni awe-inspiring. I think her great wisdom and her humor come through. I also hope that a younger generation who hasn’t grown up with Toni Morrison will discover her and ultimately read her novels.

AFI: Why is Washington, D.C. an important location to screen your film?

D.C. is a great city, filled with engaged and sophisticated audiences. It’s also a very diverse city, one that will especially appreciate my film. Toni is also a graduate of Howard University, which is discussed in the film.

AFI: Why do you believe documentary films are important in today’s world?

It’s certainly a golden age for documentaries right now. Documentaries are reaching wide audiences in theaters and are hugely popular on cable and through streaming services. It could simply be that people want the truth now more than ever.